This reading is based on Jeremiah 31 and is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
At the same time? At the same time that "the whirlwind of God goes forth with fury," (Jer 30: 23) He promises, "I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people," (Jer. 31: 1). This is a promise that resonates with an eternal tone, because in Revelation 21: 3, "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."
I do so cherish the thought of the day when God's government will be restored not just in our hearts, but indeed upon the earth. All trace of sin will be erased from the earth (purified by fire), "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 2 Peter 3: 10. But thank God the burning fire isn't the last thing we'll behold, for "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3: 13.
I grew up knowing that my mother loved me - although I do recall those multiple-pranged switches she would specially select (sturdy enough to endure a flogging session, but fine enough to sting, yet not to cut or break any bones). She did her best to keep us focused and to appreciate the fact that every work will be brought into judgement, so we had better "count(ed) the cost before (we) mount the horse." At so much greater cost to Himself, because He's painfully aware of all that we do God is patiently working to bring us home. The journey gets rough at points, even as He must give us tough love, but at the same time He's our loving Father working to take us home. O Lord... Father, I'm so longing to come home!
"I've wandered far away from God, now I'm coming home...." Enjoy John Lomacang's rendition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
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Charles Evans
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